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Three Takeaways From Blues' 5-4 Win Against Avalanche

St. Louis Blues forwards (from L-R) Robert Thomas, Jimmy Snuggerud and Pavel Buchnevich celebrate a goal on Saturday in a 5-4 win against the Colorado Avalanche, helping the Blues set a franchise record with their 12th straight win. (Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)

ST. LOUIS – There are currently five St. Louis Blues players who were part of the longest winning streak in franchise history in 2019.

Jordan Binnington, Brayden Schenn, Oskar Sundqvist, Robert Thomas and Colton Parayko (injured) can now stake claim to a second historical streak.

The Blues set a new benchmark with their 12th straight win when they held off the Colorado Avalanche, 5-4 at Enterprise on Saturday.

For all the talk about this current Blues team not being able to put together a three-game winning streak as late as January, right now, they can’t seem to lose a game no matter how what the score is.

“It’s very cool,” Binnington said after making 35 saves. “It’s good to enjoy these moments, especially at home. It’s really fun to play here right now and you can tell there’s good energy all around. At the same time, we’ve got to focus and keep looking forward while we’re here.”

Robert Thomas continues to tear a blazing trail of points; he had a goal and four assists to give him 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) in an eight-game point streak; Cam Fowler had three assists and Zack Bolduc scored two power-play goals to lead the Blues (43-28-7), who are now four points clear of the Minnesota Wild for the first wild card from the Western Conference.

And they’re doing this without Parayko, who’s been out with a left knee injury since March 5, and now Dylan Holloway, who’s week to week with a lower-body injury.

“We've lost some really good, important players to our lineup,” Blues coach Jim Montgomery said. “It means we're good. We're a good hockey team.

“I am proud of that group in there to be able to overcome all of the adversity that we've had this year, whether that was self-inflicted by us. It doesn't matter. We've overcome it. I'm proud of that group for what they've achieved.”

The Blues built a 4-0 lead before getting a bit complacent and then having to fend off the Avalanche (47-27-4), who the Blues also beat 2-1 in Denver a week ago Saturday, giving Colorado (6-2-1) its only two regulation losses in the past nine games.

“We’re playing the right way,” said Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich, who scored his 100th goal with the Blues. “We’re playing for each other. Sacrifice for the team and it’s working right now. We should keep going.”

Let’s look at Saturday’s Three Takeaways:

* Winning the special teams – The Blues didn’t do themselves any favors, especially early, by taking three minor penalties in the first period, and despite being outshot 13-4 on special teams by the Avalanche, the Blues won the game with special teams’ play.

The Avalanche had 12 shots on their three power plays; the Blues had three shots on their three power plays. But they made two of theirs count and won the special teams’ battle 2-0, thanks to a pair of power-play goals by Bolduc, each in the bumper position and receiving passes from Thomas.

The first came at the 49-second mark of the opening period, or 18 seconds after Joel Kiviranta was whistled for cross checking Jordan Kyrou, to give the Blues a 1-0 lead.

And the second came at 8:53 of the second period, similar play, but this time, Bolduc had some time to whip a shot top shelf on Mackenzie Blackwood for a 4-0 lead.

“You’ve got to be ready,” Bolduc said. “I’ve been trying to find the open space. You never know when the puck’s going to come your way. I just try to set myself up and be ready to shoot. I want to hit the net for sure.

“I don’t know but teams will adjust. It’ll be on us to get better and find other options that will be open.”

* Good sticks, forecheck – Despite getting a bit complacent and allowing Colorado back into the game with a couple late second-period goals, the Blues had good sticks in this game.

They broke up a lot of plays, and it was everyone on the ice doing the job. Whether it was the Radek Faksa line with Nathan Walker and Alexey Toropchenko grinding pucks down low after winning them, or Jimmy Snuggerud, in his third NHL game breaking plays up playing with Buchnevich and Thomas, knocking pucks down and then instead of being overwhelmed, putting pucks into good areas to go and forecheck them back, which the Blues did. Or Thomas defending the Nathan MacKinnon line all night and until MacKinnon scored with an extra attacker, shutting one of the NHL’s best players down.

It was a collective effort to break up any rush plays the Avalanche was trying to create.

“I thought our sticks and our angling above them,” Montgomery said. “Third period, they scored two pulled goalies situations, but outside of that, I didn’t think we gave them much and I thought we had great chances (off good defensive plays). Bolduc had a good chance to get his hat trick and Snuggerud had two in a row there among others.”

Speaking of Snuggerud, he and Thomas had good stick plays that helped set up Buchnevich’s goal at 1:01 of the third period for a 3-0 lead.

It came after Jake Neighbours also using his stick off the bench to create O-zone time, and Neighbours eventually finding a Thomas pass in the low slot and conversion for a 2-0 lead at 7:41 of the first period.

“(We) put some pucks deep, play below the goal line,” Buchnevich said. ‘We got first eight minutes, we kind of dominate, and got the early power-play goal. ‘Boldy’ have a good shot, and it's easier when you play with the lead.”

* Binnington’s key saves – Forget that he allowed four goals, and none of his own doing. Jordan Binnington was rock solid, and his saves, especially during Colorado’s barrage of shots on the man advantage were crucial.

Sometimes your goalie has to be your best penalty killer and Binnington was.

“We found a way to get it done,” Binnington said. “Obviously they’ve got some high-end talent. We found a way to get it done and that’s just a testament to all our guys and our penalty killers. You got a guy like Walker, I don’t know how many blocked shots he had. Just point blank and ‘Torps’ too. We’re just sacrificing and playing the right way and finding a way to win.”

Binnington also made a breakaway on Artturi Lehkonen after a Bolduc mishap in the neutral zone, and there was also a reflex save off a rebound by Valeri Nichushkin in the second.

“He was really good,” Montgomery said. “They had a lot of shot attempts. It was a hard-working night for him. It was clear that they wanted a shot-volume night tonight. We ate a lot of pucks blocking them, but he was there and he was really seeing the puck well through traffic.”

It all led to Binnington winning his 10th straight home start to tie a franchise record, tying John Davidson and Jaroslav Halak.

The Avalanche did get two sixth-attacker goals, including one with 8.1 seconds remaining by Sam Malinski that made the score academic after Thomas hit the empty net off the goal post and in at 19:30.

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Duke’s push for 6th NCAA title falls apart in unlikely late collapse against Houston in Final Four

Up by double figures in the second half at the Final Four, closing in on the chance to play for yet another national championship, Duke was right where it had worked all season to be. Up 14 with 8 1/2 minutes left, the Blue Devils improbably faded down the stretch, done in by Houston's relentless fight to stay in a game that had frequently seemed on the verge of getting away. By the final horn, the Cougars had scored the game's last nine points in the last 33 seconds for a 70-67 victory Saturday night in the second semifinal.

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Florida and Houston advance to Monday’s title game

Walter Clayton Jr. scored 34 points and Florida beat Southeastern Conference rival Auburn 79-73 in the Final Four on Saturday night, sending the Gators to the national championship game for the first time since their titles in 2006 and 2007. The All-America guard for the Gators (35-4) had a driving layup with 2:24 left, on the possession right after Australian big man Alex Condon drew a charge against Johni Broome, the other All-America player in this national semifinal — and who was dealing with an injured right elbow.

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Crosby's Hat Trick Powers Penguins 5-3 Win Over Stars

Apr 5, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) scores a goal on an empty net for a hat trick against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

There is a certain NHL winger about to break Wayne Gretzky's goal record who is - rightfully - garnering a ton of attention across the league.

And there's another guy who showed on Saturday why folks, once again, shouldn't forget about what he's doing this season, either.

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby recorded a hat trick, and his four points powered the Penguins past one of the NHL's best teams in the Dallas Stars, 5-3. Pittsburgh's win snapped Dallas's seven-game winning streak, which was the second-longest active winning streak in the NHL.

Crosby also extended his league-best active point streak to 12 games, and he has a whopping 11 goals and 20 points in that time.

"Obviously, he's done some awesome things in this league," said Bryan Rust, who scored his 200th career goal against Dallas. "And there were a couple times earlier this year where he had two, and I kept trying to get him the puck, and I couldn't get them over there for the hat trick. So, it was definitely good to see him get it."

The Penguins opened the scoring early in the first period on the power play, as Evgeni Malkin fed a pass from below the goal line to Crosby in the slot, who one-timed it top-shelf past Stars goaltender and ex-Penguin Casey DeSmith to give Pittsburgh the 1-0 lead. Stars forward Evgenii Dadonov responded a few minutes later to tie the game at 1-1 heading into first intermission, but the Penguins carried play for the most of the first.

And the same was the case in the second, despite Dadonov registering his second goal of the game on the power play off a beautiful feed from Matt Duchene. Pittsburgh, again, was controlling offensive zone possession and taking it to the Stars every chance they got. But DeSmith was up to the task, making several ten-bell saves.

Then, just 20 seconds into the third period, Rust came in hard on the forecheck below the goal line and got the puck to Rutger McGroarty, who knew Crosby approaching the back door. He quickly and instinctively fired a perfect backhand pass to a breaking Crosby, who put it home to - once again - tie the game.

However, Dadonov continued his dominance in this game, scoring less than three minutes later to cap off a hat trick and put the Stars back ahead, 3-2. Then, a few minutes later, Crosby fed the puck to Rust, who did one of his signature power moves across the goal crease to slide the puck past DeSmith on the backhand for his 200th career goal. 

The game remained in a 3-3 tie until late in the third period when an unfortunate mishap by Dallas cost them the game. Stars defensemen Cody Ceci and Thomas Harley collided in the defensive zone, and the puck was coughed up to the Penguins for a two-on-one.

Danton Heinen, along the left wall, fed a perfect pass to Blake Lizotte in the slot, who one-timed it past DeSmith with just 1:43 remaining in regulation to give the Penguins the 4-3 lead.

McGroarty Scores First NHL Goal In Penguins 5-4 Overtime Loss To BluesMcGroarty Scores First NHL Goal In Penguins 5-4 Overtime Loss To BluesThe Pittsburgh Penguins' 5-4 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues on Thursday - which gave the Blues their whopping 11th straight win - obviously wasn't the desired result.

And then, with the empty net, Crosby picked up a loose rebound right in front of Tristan Jarry, firing the puck the length of the ice and right into the middle of the net for his third goal of the game.

The Penguins outshot the Stars 40-24, and they attempted 76 shots. They were the better team throughout, and head coach Mike Sullivan was pleased with the team's effort.

"I was really happy for the team," Sullivan said. "I thought we played really hard all night. I thought we were down in the game most of the game, but I thought we were playing extremely well. We just tried to encourage them to stay with it and just keep competing, keep playing the game the right way, and we'll climb back into it. But, I thought, to a man, it was one of the more complete efforts we've had all year long."

Sullivan was also asked if there's been a better player in the league than Crosby since the 4 Nations Face-off break. 

"I'd be hard-pressed to think of one," Sullivan said. "I just think he's bringing a certain effort every night. He's the heartbeat of this group, and he drives the pulse. When he's playing on top of his game the way he is, he gives us a chance to win every game.

"He's competing on both sides of the puck. His line has been really good, he's been great with the kids... he's doing a great job with Rutger [McGroarty] on his line and with Ville [Koivunen] on the power play. I think those guys are having a lot of fun being around him, and I think he's having a lot of fun working with them. So, I think he's just playing terrific hockey right now."

Apr 5, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) scores a power play goal against the Dallas Stars during the first period at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

Here are a few other thoughts and observations from this one:

- Bryan Rust is officially a 200-goal scorer in the NHL.

He also recorded his 28th goal of the season, which ties the career-high he set in only 62 games last season. And after beginning his career as a third and fourth-line grinder, he worked his way into a top-six role and now has six consecutive 20-goal seasons.

What a story Rust has been. And even Rust never thought he'd get to this point.

"I'm really proud," Rust said. "I didn't think I'd ever get to say that I'd score 200 goals in the NHL. I think when the first time I came into this league, I was like, 'I hope I can just stick around for a couple years'... and now, here I am, 200 goals later. I think back, and I'm obviously really blessed, and there's obviously more to do."

Sullivan has said time and time again that Rust's journey embodies what it means to be a Pittsburgh Penguin. And he said it again Saturday. What a player he is.

- I don't know what else to say about McGroarty right now. He's been very, very good through three games with the Penguins and is scoring at a point-per-game pace since his recall (one goal, three points in three games). 

Koivunen has certainly had his moments, too, and I really liked how he looked alongside Rickard Rakell and Evgeni Malkin - playing in his first game since Mar. 23 - against Dallas. This actually resembled a formidable top-six for the Penguins.

But McGroarty has been the standout. He was driving play down low throughout the game - as he's known to do - and he is such a smart player. He's always in the right spot, he's got eyes on the back of his head, and he sees a lot of plays before they happen. His hockey sense has been unreal, and it feels and looks like he's on the same wavelength as Crosby. 

Apr 5, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; The Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate after center Sidney Crosby (87) scores a gol against the Dallas Stars during the third period at the American Airlines Center. (Jerome Miron-Imagn Images)

Just really impressive stuff from a kid who has only played six NHL games. He looks advanced beyond his age, and that pass to Crosby was pure instinct.

If he continues to play like this down the stretch, he absolutely has to be on this team full-time next season. It's early, but there are just so many things he does that you simply cannot teach. There's no reason to think those things won't translate in full-time NHL top-six minutes. 

- Jumping back to that second line, it was clear to see that there is some degree of chemistry already building between Koivunen and Malkin. I think Koivunen's creativity and hockey sense marries well with Malkin's playmaking ability and east-west style of play, and his forechecking ability opens up some opportunity for Malkin and Rakell, too.

I like having Rakell on that line in theory, as he is the finisher on it. However, it seems pretty clear to me that Rakell is most comfortable - and at his best - playing with Crosby, as he has developed some real chemistry with 87.

It's hard to argue with the results of the first line, but heading into next season - assuming everyone is still around - I'd think about switching Rakell and Rust. But it feels like, in the earlygoing, that McGroarty fits with Crosby and Koivunen fits with Malkin.

- I've mentioned a few times in the past month or so how much better Matt Grzelcyk has looked in the second half of the season. 

Well, I think Saturday's performance was, arguably, his best of the season.

Which UFAs Should The Penguins Bring Back?Which UFAs Should The Penguins Bring Back?Although the Pittsburgh Penguins shipped out most of their unrestricted free agents before the NHL trade deadline on Mar. 7, there are still a few remaining on the roster.

It seemed like he was making something happen in the offensive zone every time he touched the puck. He made a few nice defensive reads and recovery plays. His skating along the offensive blue line is smooth, and he's decisive. His puck-moving ability in the transition game was on display.

For as poorly as he started the season, he has really rounded into form over the last two months. His glaring defensive mistakes are fewer and farther between, and - as usual - his work on the power play from the blue line has been unmatched on this team this season.

Again, don't be surprised to see the Penguins extend him for another year or two while they wait for some of their younger defensive prospects to develop. It wouldn't be the worst thing, as he's certainly revitalized his career in Pittsburgh.

- This was one of the best 60-minute efforts of the season from the Penguins against one of the top-three teams in the NHL.

They dominated offensive zone possession. They rolled four lines. They were manufacturing high-danger scoring chances in all three periods and didn't take their foot off the gas. They didn't fold when Dallas responded.

Even if they're not mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, their season is all but over. However, this game really goes to show how much character is in that locker room. This is the exact kind of character environment that guys like McGroarty, Koivunen, Owen Pickering, and other Penguins' prospects need for their development and their transition to the NHL level. 

And it starts and ends with 87. You can't say enough about the guy who has been the heartbeat of this team for two decades. He's still playing like he's 26 - and he doesn't seem to be slowing down.

'When He Speaks, Everyone Listens': How Sidney Crosby's Mentorship Has Passed On To Multiple Generations Of Teammates'When He Speaks, Everyone Listens': How Sidney Crosby's Mentorship Has Passed On To Multiple Generations Of TeammatesFollowing the team's regular practice on Dec. 16, Pittsburgh Penguins' captain Sidney Crosby took some extra time out of his day to do something pretty much everyone around him is accustomed to witnessing on a day-to-day basis.

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Carolina Hurricanes Rookie, Justin Robidas, Scores First Career NHL Goal

April 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Carolina Hurricanes center Justin Robidas (46) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden. (Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images)

Two games into his NHL career and Carolina Hurricanes rookie forward Justin Robidas is already A) officially an NHL goal scorer and B) a point-per-game player too. 

Despite the team suffering back-to-back losses in Detroit and Boston over the weekend, Robidas made the most of his opportunity, registering a primary assist on Friday and scoring the team's lone goal on Saturday.

"It's pretty cool," Robidas said on getting his first. "Obviously a goal that I'll remember forever. It's hard to get that at the end of a loss like that, but still it's pretty memorable for me.

"It's for sure something that I'll remember. It was a pretty big weekend for myself, my family and everyone that's supported me. Definitely very special."

The 22-year-old forward has risen to the occasion for Carolina and made the most of his ice time.

He's the third rookie to make his NHL debut for Carolina this season (Juha Jaaska, Ryan Suzuki) and also the third to register a goal (Jackson Blake, Scott Morrow).

"It's tough that his first goal, you're happy for him and he did a nice job, but I hated that it's in a game like that where it's not all that impactful," said Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour. "But certainly he did a great job when he came up. Happy for him."

"It's awesome," said Sebastian Aho. "He played great. Kind of sucks to see the rest of the team to play like that when he's playing his first two games. Obviously a well deserved goal there. It's awesome to see."

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